St Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery

If you like Cabernet Sauvignons, especially the justly famous Rutherford cabs, then you won't want to miss visiting St. Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery.  When you do visit you will see the gorgeous Queen Anne's style Victorian home, the 1882 Atkinson House, a registered historical landmark that has been restored and decorated by the winery.  The tasting room is nearby in a building that was completed in 1988. They also have a wine museum upstairs where you may partake of a free, self guided tour.  In the museum are many old bottles of wine from the late 1800's and early 1900's.  St. Supery was named after one of its owner from the 1800's, Edward St. Supery.  Since 1982 St. Supery has been owned by Skalli Family Wines of America.  Robert Skalli, a third generation French winemaker is founder and chairman of the Board of Skalli Family Wines of America

Their "Divine Wine Tasting" was $25 and included four to five wines.  (Check with the winery for current pricing.)  Service (Aaron) was very friendly and informative.  We started with the St. Supery 2009 Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc at $35 which had a nice light nose, a touch of sweetness and, to me, a more pineapple than grapefruit palate. It was okay but, we preferred the reds at St. Supery.  The St. Supery 2006 Elu is 86% cab, 7% merlot and 7% petite Verdot.  It spent 24 months on French Oak and is their "meritage."  It was very well balanced and had mostly cherry on the palate.  At $65 a bottle it is quite nice.  Even better though was the really excellent  St. Supery 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon at $80.  This is drinkable now but will improve with time.  It had a nice cherry, earthy palate, with good tannins and a long finish.  It is one of the finest Cabs we've had.  The last wine was the St. Supery 2006 Dollarhide Cab at $85.  It was a bigger wine with some spiciness and will age very well.  I preferred the Rutherford Cab for drinking now but I'd bet the Dollarhide Cab will be a knockout in another five years.  St Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery is certainly worth a visit. 

St Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery
8440 St Helena Highway

Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-450

Visited October 5, 2011